Kid Rock Salutes Late Beastie Boy Adam Yauch

Kid Rock has paid tribute to late Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch with a heartfelt blog post detailing his gratitude to the pioneering hip-hop group for helping to pave the way for his own music career.

As reported, Yauch, aka MCA, passed away Friday (May 4) at the age of 47 after a three-year battle with cancer. In his blog post, Kid Rock calls himself one of the biggest Beastie Boys fans ever and singles out Yauch as a true inspiration.

It was only a few weeks ago that Kid Rock took part in a Beastie Boys medley at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony after Yauch was unable to attend the event. Now, Kid Rock has offered his heartfelt condolences to surviving Beastie Boys members Adrock and Mike D, in addition to recalling the first time he witnessed the Beasties in concert.

Below is Kid Rock’s full dedication to Adam Yauch:

R.I.P. MCA

I thought I was the 4th member of Beastie Boys in 7th grade. You couldn’t tell me I wasn’t. The first time I ever saw them on stage was a very early show of theirs before Licensed to Ill came out, opening for Run DMC at Joe Louis Arena. My jaw dropped to the floor! Not only was I the only white kid in the place (as far as I knew) but I said to myself “Holy s–t, there’s other white kids that rap?!? WOW!” My mind was blown. When Licensed to Ill came out, it changed everything. All of a sudden people didn’t call me a “little rap f-g” for liking hip hop. The metal heads liked ‘em, the punk kids, everyone! I dressed like them, pegged and rolled my pants, begged my mom for a pair of Ewings, and so on and so on. I rapped about not giving a f— and crazy s–t like they did in my early years. I also followed their lead in later years, after I became my own person, in believing I could really help a lot of people out. MCA I know was at the forefront of this in the group, and for that I am forever indebted. When I heard the news, a crazy chill went through my body like no other. I don’t wanna sound all dramatic, but that’s the truth, that’s the impact he had on me. When I was asked to play MCA in a tribute to the Beasties at the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame I said to my buddy ,”S–t, I’ve been training for this my whole life!” I said it that day, what an honor. I’ve participated in many such events, but none have I ever been better prepared for than this one. My heart absolutely bleeds for my friend Mike D. and for Ad-Rock. Having lost a member of my own band, I understand a little of what it’s like. I only hope in writing this that it brings a little comfort to his friends, family and fans, what an inspiration this man was and always will be to me. We just performed “Fight For Your Right” a few days ago and of course I insisted on being MCA, or at least trying to be him the best I could. – “And if you feel what I’m feelin’ than it’s a musical masterpiece!” -MCA, Pass the Mic – I HAVE ALWAYS FELT WHAT YOU WERE FEELING IN YOUR MUSIC that you so unselfishly shared with me and the rest of the world. So in short YES I do feel it, and yes it is. From one of your biggest fans, rest in peace homeboy.

For more tributes to Yauch from rockers such as Slash, Linkin Park, Godsmack and others, click here.